Legislator Eachus: Rehab the Government Center

Sunday

Apr 29, 2012 at 2:00 AM

Orange County Legislator Chris Eachus said Friday that he supports overhauling the Government Center, making it increasingly unlikely County Executive Ed Diana will muster the 14 votes he needs next week to tear down and replace the 42-year-old complex.

BY CHRIS MCKENNA

Orange County Legislator Chris Eachus said Friday that he supports overhauling the Government Center, making it increasingly unlikely County Executive Ed Diana will muster the 14 votes he needs next week to tear down and replace the 42-year-old complex.

Eachus, one of only two Democratic lawmakers who hadn't voted yet or taken a public stance on the future of the Government Center, told the Times Herald-Record that he objected to Diana's plan for a variety of reasons, including its cost and the building's stature as an architectural landmark.

"The money was very important — that at an economic time like this, we don't spend money frivolously," he said.

As of Wednesday, eight lawmakers already had come out against Diana's $75 million proposal, which would be enough to deny him the two-thirds majority he needs on the 21-member Legislature to approve bonding. Four legislators opposed the plan in committee votes last week, and another four have said or made clear they'll vote no when it reaches the full Legislature.

That vote is scheduled for Thursday. At least 11 lawmakers, including eight Republicans and an Independence Party member who endorsed Diana's project last week in committee votes, will likely vote yes.

Harvey Burger, the only other Democrat who hadn't taken a position on Diana's proposal, told the Times Herald-Record by phone that he may vote no as well. "I'm leaning toward my caucus's position," he said, explaining that he meant renovating the existing building.

Eachus, referring to the Government Center's unique design, pointed out that "art is in eye of the beholder" and said, "I don't ever want to take what might be considered a work of art by a large group of people and destroy it."